Quiz Champion

What is the name of the copper-rich protein that creates the blue blood in the Antarctic octopus?

  • Iron
  • Cytochrome
  • Hemocyanin
  • Methionine
Explanation

Hemocyanin is the name of the copper-rich protein that creates the blue blood in the Antarctic octopus. This protein is responsible for transporting oxygen in the octopus's circulatory system. Unlike the iron-containing hemoglobin found in mammals, hemocyanin relies on copper ions to bind and transport oxygen, giving the blood a blue coloration. This adaptation allows the octopus to thrive in the cold waters of the Antarctic, where it helps maximize oxygen uptake and maintain vital bodily functions in extreme temperatures.